Maybe: it needs the right 4G and 5G bands and carrier approval for VoLTE.
The quick answer
- Bands: check for 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 66 and 71
- VoLTE: the phone must be on the carrier's list
- T-Mobile is usually the easiest
- Global versions of Samsung and Pixel phones usually work
How it works now
Phones from Asia or Europe often lack US bands such as 12, 13, 66 and 71. Even with the right bands, US carriers keep VoLTE approval lists, and imports often aren't on them. T-Mobile tends to be the most flexible, Verizon the strictest.
How to check yours
- Find the IMEI: dial *#06#, or look in the phone's settings or under the battery.
- Enter it in your carrier's compatibility checker. Every major carrier and most prepaid brands have one.
- If it isn't supported, it's usually missing approval for VoLTE (calls over 4G), which every US phone now needs.
Who it still works for
Check the IMEI with your carrier before buying an import. If it fails, data may still work, but calls won't.
If you're replacing it
A new moto g 2026 or Galaxy A17 costs little, gets years of updates, and several carriers give them away when you switch. Pair it with a low-cost plan such as Mint Mobile ($15 a month for 6GB on a 12-month term) or Visible ($25 for unlimited, taxes included).
Current offers from Metro, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Xfinity.
See phone deals →Frequently asked questions
Does an unlocked import phone still work in 2026? +
Can I switch carriers with an unlocked import phone? +
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Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.